In an era dominated by technology, the role of the digital entrepreneur is becoming increasingly central. We’re not simply talking about visionary CEOs who leverage technology to their advantage, but about individuals driven by strategic vision, practical technical skills and genuine entrepreneurial spirit.
But why is the digital entrepreneur such a crucial figure for European projects? Let’s find out!
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Who is the digital entrepreneur
The digital entrepreneur is someone who creates and develops a business rooted in technology. They navigate today’s complex business models with ease, know how to leverage the latest ICT innovations and feel completely at home with e-learning platforms, without ever losing sight of the core of their mission: human connection.
Unlike a traditional entrepreneur, the digital entrepreneur has a mindset focused on experimentation, scalable solutions and using data as a strategic tool to improve services, products and processes. They are not just a consumer of technology, but an active catalyst for change.
What does a digital entrepreneur do
Among the most common activities of a digital entrepreneur are:
- developing and selling apps or software;
- launching tech-driven start-ups;
- implementing digital marketing strategies, including SEO, SEM, social media and growth hacking;
- creating cutting-edge solutions for e-commerce, cybersecurity and automation;
- participating in European calls focused on digital innovation, social inclusion and the green transition.
The digital entrepreneur collaborates with research centers, universities, incubators, SMEs and European institutions to co-create innovative solutions in response to global challenges.
Well-known examples of digital entrepreneurs: from broke visionaries to global changemakers
To understand the impact of digital entrepreneurship on contemporary society, it’s enough to look at a few emblematic examples. Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has become an almost pop-culture icon of the global tech entrepreneur. His hybrid approach, somewhere between heavy industry and software management, represents a new frontier in entrepreneurship.
Another well-known case is Mark Zuckerberg, who went from being a college student to leading a tech empire, Meta, now capable of shaping global communication, virtual reality (VR) and social interaction. On the European side, Daniel Ek, founder of Spotify, revolutionized the music industry by combining tech skills with data-driven business models.
Other, sometimes controversial, figures like Davide Dattoli (Talent Garden) and Chiara Ferragni (Italian entrepreneur in the fashion world) show how vision, innovation and branding can give rise to complex ecosystems. These two cases alone demonstrate that even in Italy, digital entrepreneurs have transformative potential.
Digital entrepreneurs in European projects: 3 reasons to get them on board
When it comes to EU project design and implementation, the digital entrepreneur is an incredible asset for 3 key reasons:
1. They bring true innovation to consortia
Digital entrepreneurs have a natural ability to turn ideas into action and objectives into real, tangible outputs. From developing e-learning platforms to prototyping apps for European citizenship, their contribution is often groundbreaking.
2. They know how to disseminate project results
Digital entrepreneurs excel at sharing project outcomes in powerful and engaging ways. They work with measurable metrics and performance-driven content to maximize visibility and impact.
3. They are agile, always on and resilient
Thanks to their dynamic nature, they are ideal partners for building transnational partnerships. Digital entrepreneurs quickly adapt to market changes, embracing the challenges of the post-pandemic era and ongoing digital transformation with the right mindset.
Why they increase your chances of success
Bringing a digital entrepreneur into a European consortium significantly increases the chances of project success. They often prove to be reliable partners in the following fields:
- digital transformation;
- e-health and m-health;
- smart cities and urban sustainability;
- digital education and lifelong learning;
- e-commerce and international marketing.
Finally, they can actively contribute to drafting work packages (WPs), developing tech deliverables and creating compelling business plans that appeal to the European Commission.
Looking to launch a European project and need a digital entrepreneur? Get in touch
Already have an idea? Let’s build it together. We’re here to listen and connect. If you’re looking for a partner who can bring your project idea to life and maximize its impact, JO Group is the right fit for you.
Our business group brings together project managers from across the globe, experts in EU funding and leading digital start-ups.
Reach out to us today: fill out the form at the bottom of the page, call us at +390950936053, or message us on WhatsApp. One of our consultants will help you find the best digital entrepreneur to collaborate with.
JO Group: empowering innovation, shaping Europe